Imaging Device Mount For Interconnection With Sighting Devices

Abstract

A device for use in connection with various viewing and imaging devices is disclosed. More specifically, a mount is provided that is both capable of being attached to preexisting viewing devices, such as spotting scopes, rifle scopes, and other magnification devices, and further accommodating preexisting image recording and/or displaying devices, such as cameras and cameras phones. Features and advantages of both preexisting viewing and image recording devices may therefore be used in concert with one another.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mount for an imaging device which is adapted for positioning with a viewing device, comprising:
 a first portion selectively securable to the viewing device, said first portion comprising at least one member rotatable about an axis for selectively expanding and contracting said first portion; and   a second portion for selectively receiving an imaging device, said second portion comprising a substantially planar member for receiving at least a portion of said imaging device and a biased member for securing the imaging device in a desired location, wherein said imaging device can be selectively aligned with said viewing device to receive and record an image.   
     
     
         2 . The mount of  claim 1 , wherein said first portion comprises a hinged clamp with a coil spring. 
     
     
         3 . The mount of  claim 1 , wherein said biased member comprises a hinged member with a coil spring. 
     
     
         4 . The mount of  claim 1 , wherein said second portion comprises a first substantially planar member and a second substantially planar member for supporting an imaging device, said first substantially planar member being substantially perpendicular to said second substantially planar member. 
     
     
         5 . The mount of  claim 1 , wherein said biased member is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to said axis of rotation of said at least one member of said first portion. 
     
     
         6 . The mount of  claim 1 , wherein said imaging device comprises at least one of a portable phone, a digital camera, a PDA, and a digital music player. 
     
     
         7 . The mount of  claim 1 , wherein said first portion and said second portion are connected by an adjustable fastener. 
     
     
         8 . The mount of  claim 7 , wherein said axis comprises a longitudinal axis of said fastener. 
     
     
         9 . The mount of  claim 1 , wherein said viewing device comprises at least one of a rifle scope, a spotting scope, a binocular, a monocular, a telescope, and a range finder. 
     
     
         10 . A mount for an imaging device adapted for positioning proximate to a lens on a viewing device, comprising:
 a mounting device adapted for selective attachment to a viewing device;   an attachment portion for placing the mounting device in selective attachment with said viewing device via at least one of a frictional-fit, press-fit, or interference-fit;   a receiving portion operably interconnected to said mounting device and adapted for selectively receiving an imaging device; and   wherein an image sensing feature of said imaging device is aligned with a predetermined line of sight of said viewing device when said viewing device and said imaging device are selectively attached to the mounting device.   
     
     
         11 . The mount of  claim 10 , wherein said viewing device is at least one of binoculars, a monocular, a rifle scope, a spotting scope, a range finder, and a telescope. 
     
     
         12 . The mount of  claim 10 , wherein said mount comprises a substantially water impermeable material. 
     
     
         13 . The mount of  claim 10 , wherein said imaging device comprises a personal electronic device selected from the group consisting of a portable phone, a digital camera, a PDA, and a digital music player. 
     
     
         14 . The mount of  claim 10 , wherein said imaging device comprises a plurality of planar members and said receiving portion contacts at least two of said planar members when said imaging device is disposed therein. 
     
     
         15 . The mount of  claim 10  wherein said mounting device is selectively removable from said viewing device. 
     
     
         16 . The mounting device of  claim 10 , wherein said mounting device is interconnected to said viewing device by at least one of a compression fit, a nut, a clamp and a screw. 
     
     
         17 . A method of recording images from a portable handheld device in selective communication with a viewing device, comprising the steps of:
 selecting a viewing device comprising one of a pair of binoculars, a monocular, a rifle scope, a spotting scope, a range finder, and a telescope;   attaching a mount, the mount comprising a first portion selectively securable to a viewing device, said first portion comprising at least one member rotatable about an axis for selectively expanding and contracting said first portion, and a second portion for selectively receiving an imaging device, said second portion comprising a substantially planar member for receiving at least a portion of said imaging device and a biased member for securing said electronic device in a desired location;   positioning the imaging device to said mount wherein an image sensing feature of the imaging device is aligned with a line of sight of the viewing device;   securing the imaging device in said line of sight of the first viewing device;   activating one or more features of the imaging device to record images as viewed through the viewing device.